A Letter To The Editor Of The Bccs

We don't fret too much about the snakes here, a politicians bite is far more toxic

I did not realize you were a comedian too...

Matthew, I seriously doubt anyone here could ever see you as an ememy. Your posts may be the most sincere writting I've ever encountered on a web forum.

Keep up the good fight!

Definitely have an uphill battle on that one when it comes to your slightly older peer group and the internet. I'm younger myself and grew up with the internet but have noticed with relatives that some of my older ones use the internet and some of them couldnt even turn on the computer if you left step by step instructions for them.

Not sure how doable this would be but if you or someone else from the group was willing to run as a go between for the computer illiterate of the group that could be a way to bridge the gap. Either something like having a way for them to submit questions have them get posted here and the answered relayed back whether in print or at a meeting and vice versa could be a way to get the knowledge shared without having to get them all on the internet

Lol. Stupid and technology deficient are two very different things. Some dont even have cellphones much less computers. Could they do it if they really wanted too probably, but a good amount just have no interest in it. Cant say I blame them either. If I lived most of my life without it I dont know if id be jumping into it

Matthew... I heard on the radio that the fast growing group of new computer users is people over seventy. The interviewer talked to an eightyplus woman and a 93 year old. They stated that connecting on the Internet was the best thing that happened to them in awhile. It allowed them connections with others as their personal world was becoming more restrictive. They were able to make contact with younger relatives who were further away and reconnect with old friends who had moved. It was heartwarming to hear their appreciation for something that many of us take for granted.
I appreciate your efforts to bring others in to freely share their experience and knowledge. I have learned so much already.

Kellyk,
That is so nice to hear.
I did not mean to suggest that older collectors are set in their ways.
(Well I am, a little.)
I only meant to propose that coin collecting exists both in print and
on the Internet. Print will not go away, but the younger people do not
realize that at one time print media was all there was.
And neither is the Internet the only source for information.
Look, the recent presence of the CCF at a national show is proof that
bringing coins to new collectors IN PERSON is a very valid and worthwhile endeavor.
The recent effort of the BCCS to motivate its members to staff educational tables,
at regional shows, is another example of outreach.
This website is without equal the best of all possible worlds in the computer age.
We are not all that unalike.
And it is time for both of us, the "print" people and the "pad" people, to join forces to educate, to share, and quite frankly to brag from time to time.

To jbuck:
A subscription to our Journal is $15 a year, but our website is free to all.
Information wants to be free, and dedicated collectors of every interest
and stripe want to share with everyone who wants to learn.

Doesn't that make us coin collectors "good people?"
I really think so.

Barbercoins.org

"The purpose of this site is to provide valuable information and knowledge about Barber coins, details about the Society, and to make it easy for you to participate. Please explore the site, meet with us at major coin shows, and accept our invitation to join. See our new Brochure and Membership Application Form (PDF file, 1 mb)."

If I can make it, I'll be in Manchester, NH next month.

Matthew, for my Two Cents, I can only applaud you for trying to bridge the gap, so to speak. I still, however, love to "curl up" with a good book or favorite coin periodical with a glass/cup of: (wine, scotch, sherry, hot chocolate, tea, coffee...choose one) and while away the time reading. Being older than many folks in our forum, I have a hard time "curling up" with my HP super PC and an LCD screen for an afternoon. I'll probably never change. I love both mediums for the same reason, you never stop learning by reading. The more exposure to knowledge, the more likely you"ll actually learn. Repetition is still one of the basic tenants of learning.

I don't know how any of our forum members could ever fault some one for promoting forums that foster conscientious thoughtful discourse on the subject we all love...coin collecting. I learned something from you letter; the existence of the BCCS. Since my youngest son loves Barber dimes, I now know where to go to check on special information I'm sure only your forum might provide.

So, thanks for the information and keep enjoying both mediums. Oh and I share your view on cell phones, I just use mine for emergencies; as when the Internet or phone lines crash, or traveling.

I personally would like to see the BCCS go more towards the route of the LSCC. With a forum maybe, and an e-newsletter.